LINDA DAMON, PhD

I am a psychologist who has specialized in the treatment of child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, sexual abuse and trauma. I find that my professional experience has influenced my paintings and I have often ended up expressing the emotions of the children and parents that I have treated over the years. I began my Child Abuse Center in 1977 and was the director for the majority of the time until I slowly began to cut down and then stepped from my role. I then limited my role and only provided supervision and training to the senior staff and post doctoral residents for many of my final years there I also conducted countertransference seminars for the post docs and the new staff for many years and assisted the staff and residents to manage their sometimes profound reactions to the families which they treated. I found there to be a parallel process that developed between the therapists and their families and this process profoundly affected the therapists’ well-being. Burnout, helplessness and lack of self care were frequent manifestations of staff members’ experiences and feelings while working with this population.

Anger, Chaos and Despair
(Acrylic on Canvas, 30” High x 24” Wide) 

I find a parallel between the countertransference reactions of therapists at my center to the profound disturbance experienced by many individuals in today’s divisive and chaotic country. Many persons feel extremely discouraged and helpless in response to the anger and divisiveness in our country. Some are experiencing disenfranchisement and may not vote because they feel so confused and hopeless about influencing the direction of the country. Others are not really doing enough to confront and respond to election tampering and gerrymandering which will definitely impact the outcome of the upcoming elections.

This painting is a reflection of the internal feelings of chaos and anger experienced by many in this country. There are many divergent and conflicting opinions in the populace. These feelings are experienced throughout the world as political divisions are exacerbated.

drldamon@gmail.com
www.lindadamonart.com
instagram.com/drldamon/